Monthly Archives: October 2017

As we traveled throughout the United States with our Casita travel trailer, full-time for one and one-half plus years, the lack of racial diversity in RV Parks and Campgrounds was striking ! I do remembering seeing 2 or 3 Asian families, lots of Europeans, but no Hispanic or African American families. I’m sure there are a few out there, but we never saw any in our travels. According to a 2009 National Park Service survey, people of color are underrepresented on public lands. Minorities make up about 40% of the population, but they only comprise 20% of national park visitors. According to Ambreen Tariq (of brown people camping), “There are some deep-rooted and dark history for some people of color in the outdoors”. There needs to be more minorities in our parks and public spaces, perhaps in numbers that are a reflection of our population.

Being white campers, why should we care? After a bit of research, I determine that we should care for many reasons, but for two important ones in particular: our national health and passing the baton.

BEING IN NATURE

My first reason is a strong belief in the benefits of being outdoors. When you spend time in nature, it gradually but firmly establishes a sense of connection to the earth. It promotes health for you and for the planet. Breathing fresh air, camping, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and reading the stars in the night sky are only some of the outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. The sense of solitude helps you to destress and can promote introspection. Minority history can be found in many natural areas, which helps us to discover and understand who we were yesterday, as well as who we are today – valuable lessons for all of us. Spending time with nature can inspire in us the desire to protect vulnerable public lands for all of us to enjoy. The experiences you have when camping and spending time outdoors echo for you and your children, long after you return home.

This is a photo of Kevin Sims, former NFL linebacker, his wife Tia and several of their children with their RV, from soulfulfamilyrv.com.

There are seven scientifically proven benefits to being outdoors. (Credit to The Trek Blog)

VITAMIN D – is essential for a healthy immune system. We can get enough by just sitting in the sun. This is perhaps the most obvious reason to get outside, since the sun supplies us with the best source of Vitamin D. Those who don’t get enough Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Getting enough sunlight has also been linked with the prevention of diabetes, auto immune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. How much sun do you need to get enough vitamin D? When the sun’s UV-B rays hit the skin, a reaction takes place that enables skin cells to manufacture vitamin D. If you’re fair skinned, experts say going outside for just 10 minutes in the midday sun—in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen—will give you enough radiation to produce about 10,000 international units. If you are dark skinned, you will need more a bit more time in the sun.. In fact, people with very dark skin need around five to six times more exposure to UV radiation to produce as much vitamin D as someone with fair skin. People who are dark-skinned may need sunlight exposure during peak times – i.e., the middle of the day, in the summer. More than 30 minutes without sunscreen is not a good idea for anyone. Too much sun can cause Melanoma, dangerous form of skin cancer.

In May 1981 the music world lost a legend when Jamaican reggae artist Bob Marley, died after a four-year battle with a melanoma skin cancer that started on his toe.

3. IMPROVED SLEEP – Sleep patterns are regulated by an internal body clock called the Circadian Rhythm, which is tied to the sun’s schedule. If you don’t get outdoors enough, it can disrupt your circadian rhythm, and disrupt sleep.

4. CLEAN AIR – Outdoor pollution is bad for your heath for sure. But inside pollution can be worse – 2-5 times worse, leading to heart disease, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic attacks

BONUS: According to NASA, there are 15 houseplants that can improve the quality of indoor

air including aloe, snake plant, golden pathos, and chrysanthemum.

5. GROUNDING – On the fringe of mainstream science is the practice of Grounding. Grounding is walking barefoot on natural surfaces like dirt and sand. Because the earth is negatively charged, your body will absorb the negative electrons. According to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Grounding can have an intense anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

BONUS: See the documentary film, The Grounded.

6. EXERCISE – I know you’ve heard this endlessly, but here we go again. Exercises like hiking, kayaking, and other outdoorsy exercises, and even light walking, help prevent heart disease, strokes, Type II Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis, and many psychological conditions.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH – There are massive benefits in getting outdoors, on our mental health. Spending time in nature is linked to improved attention span, and boosts in serotonin ( the feel good neuro – transmitter). It also shows increased brain activity in the parts of the brain responsible for increased empathy, emotional stability, and love. Conversely, urban environments tend to boost brain activity in centers for fear and anxiety.

8. IT’S JUST CLEAN, SIMPLE FUN.

GET OUTSIDE !!! GO CAMPING !!!

(Credit for this photo goes to OutdoorAfro)

PASSING THE BATON

My second reason is ultimately a selfish one. Although there are messages both subtle and not so subtle, that the “outdoors is for white people” – that must change. Due to the fact that the United States is moving towards a greater population of non-whites, it is important to pass the baton of caretaker to that next generation. If the next generation isn’t aware of the treasure they are responsible for, it may be lost. We need more people involved in supporting policy decisions that affect access to public spaces, and that consider the size of the footprint we leave for the next generation. We need everyone to care about the development of open spaces, and the ecosystem at large. Funding for our public lands is in jeopardy. Falling in love with the outdoors will encourage everyone, including minorities, to use their spending power to work alongside any company or group that share a vision for equity in access and enjoyment of our parks and open spaces. I hope that you, dear readers, will embrace the chance to work with regional and national organizations, companies, and leaders who support and give voice to diverse participation in the outdoors to achieve important goals for allof us.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE COMMENT AND I WILL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Some thoughts –

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.'” – Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you”. -Frank Lloyd Wright

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt”. – John Muir

Of our National Parks: “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” – John Muir

“Not just beautiful, though—the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they’re watching me.” – Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

Much thanks to the following blogs that were instrumental in helping to get my thoughts in order: